Clear full face proection

[danielb 0]

I'm thinking about changing from using a cage to either a clear full face shield or visor/cage combo on my XL RBK 8K helmet. After doing a bit of research it would seem my clear full face shield options are the following.

• iTech Concept II Deluxe
  
• iTech Recon x200
  

The visor/cage combo options are:

• iTech FX50
  
• iTech 920
  
• Oakley VC920
  

I was wondering if I could get any recommendations for the above units. I find the following the most interesting: the iTech Concept II, iTech Recon x200, Oakley VC920 or iTech FX50. For some reason the look of the Concept II really appeals to me but the whole unit needs to be replaced once the visor gets scratched up and the ventilation does not look as good as the Recon, FX50 or VC920 so I think I won't go with a Concept II.

So that leaves me with a choice between the iTech Recon x200, Oakley VC920 and the iTech FX50. I've not seen a Recon in a shop or on a player here in Vancouver and I've only seen the FX50 in stores here, not in use but one of the guys I play with uses the VC920 and really likes it. I'd be interested to get feedback from people who use these shields. Especially the Recon as it really appeals to me as it is 100% polycarbonate so it will be light and really strong like the Concept II with the added bonuses of improved ventilation and replaceable visors but I'd like to hear more about it before I effectively have to buy it blind via mail order.

I know there have been reviews on these shields in the past here but there is nothing recent.

[mbhockeyplaya88 0]

I have the iTech FX50 and the Oakley VC920. Of the two i prefer the oakley. The visor portion of my iTech would constantly fog up and in my opinion was poorly ventilated. The oakley would fog up occasionaly too but not near to the extent of the itech.

[lerxst 0]

I've been rocking the Recon for about 6 months after a few close calls with the X100... It's the best of both worlds as far as watching the game in HD and having full facial protection. It does fog up a bit more than the X100... but 5 or 6 strides on the ice and it pretty much goes away with the airflow...

[Tikkanen 1]

I use the concpt II Deluxe. Haven't had a problem with fogging or ventilation and no scratches so far. I've been using it for over a year, it's holding up well. The FX50 is crap.

[automorph 0]

Concept II - classic, light, minor fogging issues, scratches render it useless

Recon - light, less fogging issues, easy replace visor, looks funny

FX50 - heavy as hell, less fogging issue, easy replace visor

[Taliondragon 0]

Concept II - classic, light, minor fogging issues, scratches render it useless

Recon - light, less fogging issues, easy replace visor, looks funny

FX50 - heavy as hell, less fogging issue, easy replace visor

Good comparison by automorph. Also, the Recon/FX-50 (using DRX1 or RX2 visors), and Oakley are not supposed to distort your vision, whereas the Concept II and 920 will slightly in your peripheral vision. I went from the Concept II -> FX-50 (heavy!) -> Recon. I can take a couple of pictures of the Recon if you would like; let me know.

You can also view Rags81's thread about the Recon here: http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/index...c=41097&hl=. I thought Rags81 had shown a few pictures of it on his helmet at one point, but I can't find it anymore.

[fatwabbit 93]

Ever thought of just using a cage? No fogging up at all, withstands scratches etc...

[danielb 0]

Ever thought of just using a cage? No fogging up at all, withstands scratches etc...

I use a cage at the moment. I'm a bit of a gear freak though so I keep getting tempted to try a clear face shield...

[TheProfessor 2]

I tried the iTech FX50 but as stated early, was way too heavy for my taste. I felt like my head and neck were being pulled down, not comfortable at all. I switched back to a cage after half a season.

[danielb 0]

I tried the iTech FX50 but as stated early, was way too heavy for my taste. I felt like my head and neck were being pulled down, not comfortable at all. I switched back to a cage after half a season.

Cheers for all the feedback, based on what you've all said I'm going to remove the FX50 from my list and add the Concept II back on. How heavy is the Oakley combo versus the Recon or Concept II? Does anyone have any idea?

[automorph 0]

No half cage/visor is going to compare to a full cage or full visor in weight....the half cage/visor will always be heavier.....honestly if you like the look (or can put up with) of Recon, thats your best bet for full shield....

[tooomey 1]

Not sure if this helps but I just switched from bauer 9500 cage to Oakley VR910 visor, which is the visor portion of the combo. Not sure how the cage portion of the mask is but the visor is great, its bigger than oakleys regular visor. And alot better vison than 9500 cage.

[danielb 0]

Not sure if this helps but I just switched from bauer 9500 cage to Oakley VR910 visor, which is the visor portion of the combo. Not sure how the cage portion of the mask is but the visor is great, its bigger than oakleys regular visor. And alot better vison than 9500 cage.

That does help.

Does anyone know of any shops in Vancouver, BC that might stock a iTech Recon? Otherwise I think I will go with either the Oakley Combo or the Concept II. There does not seem to be any Canadian mail order companies selling it?

[Too Old 1]

I have the Oakley visor/cage on my S17 and like it. Even with a skull cap it does fog when I hit the bench. As soon as I step back on the ice and skate for even a few seconds it's clear again. All I do usually is swing it open on the bench when I grab a drink, and wipe it with a small towel. Works great.

[Larry54 243]

Not sure if this helps but I just switched from bauer 9500 cage to Oakley VR910 visor, which is the visor portion of the combo. Not sure how the cage portion of the mask is but the visor is great, its bigger than oakleys regular visor. And alot better vison than 9500 cage.

That does help.

Does anyone know of any shops in Vancouver, BC that might stock a iTech Recon? Otherwise I think I will go with either the Oakley Combo or the Concept II. There does not seem to be any Canadian mail order companies selling it?

How about HERE?

[Taliondragon 0]

Not sure if this helps but I just switched from bauer 9500 cage to Oakley VR910 visor, which is the visor portion of the combo. Not sure how the cage portion of the mask is but the visor is great, its bigger than oakleys regular visor. And alot better vison than 9500 cage.

That does help.

Does anyone know of any shops in Vancouver, BC that might stock a iTech Recon? Otherwise I think I will go with either the Oakley Combo or the Concept II. There does not seem to be any Canadian mail order companies selling it?

Here you go: http://www.cyclonetaylor.com/players/helme...learx200sr.html. In Vancouver as well, so it's local to you.

[danielb 0]

Here you go: http://www.cyclonetaylor.com/players/helme...learx200sr.html. In Vancouver as well, so it's local to you.

Thanks for the link, I didn't know about that hockey shop and its pretty close to where I live. I had been going down to the place in Surrey! I have just been looking at these images of the Recon and the Concept II.

And there really does not look like there is much difference in terms of the amount of ventilation each shield offers. This makes me lean back towards picking up a Concept II DLX as its about half the price of the recon...

I just called Cyclone Taylor to see if they have the Recon in stock and apparently the Concept II is being phased out and being replaced by the Recon.

[k13 0]

I had the Concept II, it was good, but when I tried the 9500 cage, I ditched the Concept II. I hated wearing a cage, but with the 9500, you don't even notice it.

As for the Concept II, I never had an issue with fogging. I used the itech spray on it before every game.

[RetiredTender 0]

I have a concept II. Haven't had any fog issues, and I dont even use product on it. Used it on my HT2 and S9 helmets. I prefer a cage if I have to go with a fully face protection though for more ventilation.

[lerxst 0]

Here you go: http://www.cyclonetaylor.com/players/helme...learx200sr.html. In Vancouver as well, so it's local to you.

Thanks for the link, I didn't know about that hockey shop and its pretty close to where I live. I had been going down to the place in Surrey! I have just been looking at these images of the Recon and the Concept II.

And there really does not look like there is much difference in terms of the amount of ventilation each shield offers. This makes me lean back towards picking up a Concept II DLX as its about half the price of the recon...

I just called Cyclone Taylor to see if they have the Recon in stock and apparently the Concept II is being phased out and being replaced by the Recon.

I think that there is a difference in optical clarity between the Recon and Concept II. Hold both in front of your face and then decide. Also, if you wear a L helmet , then you need to get an Intake L... The only L helmet the Recon fits is the Intake... I found that out the hard way... I still have my half visor on my perfectly good Bauer 8000 because the Recon didn't fit it....

[danielb 0]

I think that there is a difference in optical clarity between the Recon and Concept II. Hold both in front of your face and then decide. Also, if you wear a L helmet , then you need to get an Intake L... The only L helmet the Recon fits is the Intake... I found that out the hard way... I still have my half visor on my perfectly good Bauer 8000 because the Recon didn't fit it....

Thanks for the tip, I'm just heading to the store now. I wear an XL RBK 8k helmet so it looks like I may end up with the Concept II after all.

[Tikkanen 1]

I use the Itech spray before every game as well.

[orangecrush10goflyers 0]

I have a concept 2 deluxe Iam looking to sell.

concept 2 deluxe

decide i liked the look of chrome cage

[danielb 0]

I was quite impressed by the concept II I saw last night very light and I couldn't detect the optical distortion at all, even comparing it to the Oakley combo or Recon. I was surprised by how much heavier the Oakley combo was it felt very heavy compared to the Concept or Recon!

I have a concept 2 deluxe Iam looking to sell.

concept 2 deluxe

decide i liked the look of chrome cage

Just replied to your other thread.

[MR MIZUN0 0]

I have the FX-50 and love it, only fogs up when Im on the bench, but when I hit the ice it clears right up!! Yes, it is heavy, but the vision aspect is great, it does not obscure your vision at all!!